On the evening of July 2, at the Ariyana International Convention Center in Da Nang, the musical The Enchanted Crossbow, produced by Victoria School with artistic sponsorship from the Vietnam Youth Theatre, created a sensation at the Da Nang Asian Film Festival 2025 (DANAFF III).
Drawing an audience of over 1,000—including Da Nang locals, international visitors, and renowned names in cinema—the musical transformed the DANAFF III stage into a vibrant cultural space, marking the first time a school musical has ever been featured in the official program of an international film festival.
Artists participating in DANAFF III also attended the performance of The Enchanted Crossbow
Numerous families and young audiences came to enjoy the musical
Featuring 50 student performers from Victoria School, The Enchanted Crossbow brought a spectacular experience by retelling the legendary tale of the magic crossbow through a creative blend of tradition and modernity. Highlights such as the lively English rap by the Turtle God, the emotional bilingual performance of “Mẹ Yêu Con”, and the energetic adaptation of “Bống Bống Bang Bang” left the audience both moved and exhilarated.
Nearly 50 Victoria School students performed at the Da Nang Asian Film Festival
From the very first scenes, The Enchanted Crossbow transported viewers into a colorful artistic journey. A modern stage setup, meticulous choreography, dynamic music and dance, and expressive acting guided the audience through a full spectrum of emotions.
Over 1,000 attendees filled the Ariyana Convention Hall to witness the Victoria School musical
“I was truly amazed. I’ve seen many artistic performances before, but I never expected a school musical to be this professional. The students conveyed the message in English, yet the emotion was purely Vietnamese—it touched the heart deeply,” shared Mr. Dang Thanh Tuan, an audience member who traveled from Hanoi to attend the show at DANAFF.
“I teared up during the final scene of the female lead. It was a modern style of storytelling that still preserved traditional values. I was genuinely surprised to see Vietnamese youth take to an international stage and deliver a national story with creativity and a global voice,” said Ms. Tran Thi Phuong Thao, a local audience member from Da Nang.
Audience members were impressed and delighted by the talent of Victoria School students
The success of this Vietnamese school musical in captivating both local and international audiences affirms the talent of Victoria School students and the school’s serious investment in theatrical arts.
The Enchanted Crossbow is an artistic project fully organized and invested in by Victoria School, with artistic support from the Vietnam Youth Theatre. While carrying meaningful messages of patriotism, peace, and loyalty, the musical retells the legend from a fresh perspective. The entire story is performed in English by students ranging from elementary to high school levels, helping the musical leave a strong impression on audiences at the film festival—especially international viewers.
Dr. Christopher Bradley, Deputy General Director for Academic Affairs at Victoria School and Principal of Victoria School – South Saigon, shared:
“We are proud that a student musical project has not only been well-received domestically but has also made a mark at an international event. This is part of the holistic education philosophy we pursue at Victoria School—where students not only gain knowledge but also nurture emotional intelligence, build resilience, and become global citizens with a strong cultural identity.”
This event was also a meaningful activity within Victoria School’s summer program series, providing students with the opportunity to perform on a professional stage, connect with both domestic and international artistic communities, and enjoy a summer full of valuable experiences.
Victoria School students confidently performed in front of 1,000 spectators in Da Nang
The musical stands as a testament to Victoria School’s commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting Vietnamese culture. The Enchanted Crossbow is not only a source of pride for the students but also a special cultural gift that added vibrance to DANAFF III 2025 in the coastal city of Da Nang.